Obafemi Martins has been ruled out for six weeks because of groin surgery which could leave him in limbo at St James’ Park.

Obafemi Martins insists Newcastle must only focus on Aston Villa as they look to beat the drop.

Michael Owen could start against Middlesbrough with Obafemi Martins likely to miss out.

The 24-year-old striker used to follow the fortunes of Newcastle’s Premier League rivals from his armchair but his side’s current plight has caused him to pull the plug.

Alan Shearer has vowed to stick by his misfiring strikers to haul Newcastle out of the relegation scrap. The Toon boss gambled with Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins against Portsmouth on Monday and still came away without goal in the 0-0 draw.

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer will consider unleashing Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka in a bid to save the club from the drop.Viduka returned from almost two months out with an Achilles problem in the defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, with Shearer’s men struggling to create chances until the Australia striker and Martins came off the bench.

ottenham Hotspur's Darren Bent (Right) challenges Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper. Reuters.Darren Bent scored to give Tottenham a 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Sunday and push the Magpies closer to relegation from the Premier League. Bent scored in the 24th minute at White Hart Lane. Obafemi Martins missed a chance to equalize for Newcastle in the 87th. Tottenham. . . .

Alan Shearer has urged Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins to fight through his pain and help save Newcastle United from relegation.

Shearer’s right-hand man has dismissed continued talk of an Oba-row at Tyneside…by Derek Wanner

Newcastle assistant boss Iain Dowie insists there has been no bust-up with Obafemi Martins over the striker’s withdrawal for the game at Stoke.Martins did not feature at the Britannia Stadium after pulling out of the squad with a groin injury.